The Secours populaire must close its permanence of Angers

"In the absence of sufficient means, the Secours populaire must close its permanence for an undeterminate time". That is what the needy persons will read next thuesday, written in four languages (french, english, russian and arabic) at the Secours populaire of Angers, 20 Maine Street.

The decision was voted in by the board of directors. "It was difficult to take it. But the demand is soaring", say the general secretary of the mouvement for the Maine et Loire, Stéphane Lepage.

During the first four month of 2010, the distribution of products has trebled. "In the past we helped 1 700 families, now we must help 5 000. That must stop". According to Mr Lepage, the gap comes from the asylum seekers who represent about 70% of the public the Secours populaire has in charge.

Last friday, the volonteers had welcomed more than 100 persons but had to turn back others. "And it's like that every day. We have to distribute tickets in order prior the opening time but nevertheless we miss narrowly the quarrel. And it's true that the asylum seekers, often youngmen, are stronger that a mother with a pushchair", remarks the general secretary who fears acts of racism.

Moreover, the stocks are empty. "170 tons are due to be delivered by the European Union. But we don't know when this aid will come", say the volonteers, who, exhausted will not come next tuesday.